CITY RETURN TO WINNING WAYS AT ST JAMES PARK

Cardiff City returned to winning ways with a dominant 4-0 victory over Exeter at St James Park.

It moves the Bluebirds 11 points clear of Bolton Wanderers in 3rd place and four behind the league leaders Lincoln City.

A first-half brace from skipper Rubin Colwill gave Cardiff all the momentum, which they carried into the second half to seal all three points.

In the second half, Alex Robertson found the top corner with a superb effort before Callum Robinson closed the game with a fourth.

Perhaps Cardiff’s most convincing victory of the season, as they registered 30 shots on the Exeter goal and had minimal troubles defensively throughout.

Rubin Colwill celebrating.

Player Ratings:

Nathan Trott (7.5) – Made one straightforward stop late on but was largely untroubled. Distribution was solid.

Perry Ng (7.5) – Created a nice triangle with Ollie Tanner and Rubin Colwill on the right-hand side. Nothing came down his side defensively, and overall a strong outing.

Dylan Lawlor (7.5) – Comfortable for the centre-half. As always was confident in possession and brought City up the pitch. Had no trouble with Exeter’s front two.

Gabriel Osho (8) – Impressive performance from Osho. Dealt with the physical battle and his pace allows City to play the way they do and take risks. 

Joel Bagan (8) – Back to his usual self after a quieter few weeks with fatigue. Pushed forward and supported Ashford on the left-hand side. Was excellent in his duels and got brought off late on for some rest.

Ryan Wintle (8) – Worked tirelessly to provide the springboard for City’s forward players to produce. Slick in possession and got an assist after a delicate flick to lay off Robertson.

Alex Robertson (8) – Strong performance from the Aussie. Covered the pitch well and was sharp in possession. Exquisite strike to find the top corner for City’s third also.

Rubin Colwill (9) – MOTM  Dominant performance from the skipper. Was a level above everyone out there today and landed two goals in the opening half to pull City ahead. Extraordinary finish for the opener and a well-timed header, also. Looked back to his best since injury.

Ollie Tanner (7.5) – A 11th assist of the season, incredibly, and 10th in his last 12 games. Can be guilty of losing possession a little easily at times, but was threatening once again and set up R Colwill neatly.

Cian Ashford (8) – Really impressive from Ashford. Neat and tidy in possession, and was a constant thorn down Exeter’s left side. Took on his man and put a good cross in for Colwill’s header. When needed, tracked well to back up Bagan also.

Omari Kellyman (7) – Some neat touches here and there, but not the strongest performance today. Looked jaded at times, but still sent some rasping efforts on goal without it all fully clicking. 

Subs:

David Turnbull (7) – Was strong in possession and continued the calmness of the game with a disciplined display.

Chris Willock (7) – Looked threatening, and there was plenty of space for Willock to operate with as Exeter pushed forward. Will be disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet or register an assist.

Callum Robinson (8) – Robinson seems to be growing in confidence with every game and took his goal well at the back post to seal a fourth of the game, linked well when he came on, and worked hard also.

Joel Colwill (7.5) –. A real livewire when he came on and was busy in troubling Exeter as they tried to play forward late on. An assist, perhaps fortunate, but a strong cameo nonetheless. 

Calum Scanlon (N/A) – Came on too late in the game to give a fair rating, but his pace is frightening for the opposition at times.

Summary:

A ruthless performance from the Bluebirds as they continue their quest for an immediate return to the Championship. Brian Barry-Murphy’s side will look to carry this momentum into their home game on Tuesday evening against Wycombe Wanderers. 

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